About us

We have a vision and we’re on a mission…

Hi, we’re Karen Moloney and Sonia Gibson, Founders of Accounting Innovators and we invite you to join us to:

Empower accounting professionals to unlock their potential as innovators and entrepreneurs

We believe that accountants and bookkeepers have the skills and the opportunity to run and work in sustainable practices that create a positive impact on the lives of employees and clients.

This positive impact will then filter down to employees’ families, clients employees, clients families, clients of clients, their employees and families and the local, state and national economies.

And it all starts with you doing one thing, where you are right now, differently.

Accounting Innovators exists because:

  • there are technological changes afoot with the ATO’s drive to make tax “just happen” by 2030. Many accounting firms still do not have the technical infrastructure in place to handle that shift in operations

  • as the compliance aspect of accounting becomes more automated, accountants need to review where they add value to their clients and shift focus to more holistic services based on advisory

  • there are benefits to be gained by using AI and automation, but many firms do not have personnel in-house who understand it or the time to research and implement it

  • the race is on to reduce carbon emissions, what is the role of accountants in reporting and assisting in this target being met?

  • there is still an unacceptable gender pay gap in the Australian accounting industry

  • there are not enough female leaders and female role models in accounting to inspire the next generation to join the profession and start their own firms

  • there is a skills shortage in the accounting industry which will only worsen as younger generations opt for different career choices

  • many accounting firms do not offer flexible work conditions which is causing qualified professionals to leave the industry in search of positions which support lifestyle choices

  • there are challenges in maintaining good mental health and overall wellness in an environment where pressure continues to build in relation to client expectations and external regulation.

We help find solutions to these problems by:

  • holding a space for accounting professionals and solution providers to connect with each other for the purposes of sharing information, experiences, resources and support

  • connecting members with other members and partners they can collaborate with for mutual benefit

  • being the change we want to see in the accounting industry and in professional services for women and men

  • supporting existing industry bodies and networks through partnership and collaboration on joint initiatives

  • raising awareness of issues affecting the progression of the accounting industry and finding solutions that can work across a range of different circumstances

  • making accounting an attractive career option for younger generations joining the workforce, demonstrating how they can have a positive impact

  • inspiring and encouraging others to do one thing, where they are today, to start moving towards a better future in accounting.

Who are Sonia and Karen?

Sonia Gibson

Role: Director of Finance & Administration

Profession: Chartered Accountant

Founder & Director of Accounting Heart, 2022 Women in Finance Principal & Accounting Consultant of the Year, 2022 Xero Cloud Champion of the Year and 2020 Women in Finance Accountant of the Year – Sonia is a strong female leader within the accounting sector.

As a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years in accounting and business, there isn’t a lot in that space that she doesn’t know or hasn’t experienced.

Sonia is an advocate for gender equality in accounting and utilising technology to revolutionise accounting businesses and create more equitable working environments.

And she has the cutest cat in the universe 😺

Karen Moloney

Role: Director of Community & Partnerships

Profession: Marketing Strategist & Learning Specialist

An international award-winning, certified digital marketing strategist, Karen is a HUGE technology nerd 🤓 who loves simplifying the complex and making connections.

Prior to becoming a certified marketing strategist in 2017, Karen had a 25 year career in corporate training and ran a multi award-winning IT training and eLearning business.

Karen is the network tour guide you never knew you needed, connecting you with everything you need to succeed in your practice.

Aside from family and business, Karen’s two big loves are chocolate 🍫 and her Moodle Gizmo 🐾

Our values

  • Innovation

    All ideas - big and small - are welcome and an essential part of the innovation process

  • Collaboration

    We are stronger together and can have a bigger impact when we work to our strengths and support each other

  • Solution-focused

    Positive and lasting change happens when we focus on solutions rather than problems

  • Equity & Respect

    Everyone deserves to have a voice, equal opportunities and be treated with respect

  • Simplicity

    The world is complex. Keeping things simple wherever we can makes taking action easier

  • Self-care

    It all starts with self. To do your best work for yourself and others, you have to make yourself a priority

Does this sound like you too?

If so, we’d love you to be a part of the Accounting Innovators community!